Swimming With Wild Dolphins in Mauritius
Dolphins are intelligent and social creatures and tend to live in pods of 20 members or more. In some cases, pod sizes can be in the hundreds, or even over 1000. Their cheerful, playful nature makes watching and swimming with dolphins Mauritius is a truly rewarding experience. There are two types of dolphins found just off of the coast of Mauritius: Bottlenose dolphins and Spinner Dolphins. Of the two, Bottlenose Dolphins are the more common species, and it is almost guaranteed you will see these when participating in a swimming with dolphins excursion in Mauritius. Bottlenose Dolphins are gray, and typically between two and four metres in length. Their weight varies considerably, but is usually between 400 kg and 600 kg. The elongated snout on these creatures gives rise to their name. Spinner dolphins are less common than their relatives, and much smaller, typically measuring between one and two metres in length. They are typically dark gray, with darker patches, and often have white bellies.
What Does the Experience Look Like?
When most people imagine swimming with dolphins, they probably envision an aquarium-like setting with captive dolphins. In this case, your experience will be completely different. Your boat, along with others, will typically follow a pod and then stop several metres from the group. Once the boat is stopped, you'll have the opportunity to get in the water with a lifejacket and swim with dolphins Mauritius which are a magnificent sea creatures. The amount of time spent swimming with them varies considerably depending on the dolphins' behaviour, and can range from just a minute to several minutes, or more. You might imagine that the dolphins will just swim away, but actually, most of the time, the dolphins don't seem to care that you're actually there. Sometimes they swim away from you, sometimes they swim around you, and sometimes they swim right under you. If the pod decides to move, often time, you'll get back on the boat and repeat the experience in another location.
Where & When Do The Excursions Take Place?
The dolphins typically move through Tamarin Bay, on the southwest coast of the island, in the early morning on their way to the deeper waters off of Le Morne. Most boats depart from the towns of Flic en Flac, Tamarin, or Grand Riviere Noire at 7am or 7:30am. The Mauritius Tourism Authority permits swimming with wild dolphins between the hours of 7am and 10am daily.
Is It Safe & Eco-Friendly?
Mauritius has managed to create the regulatory framework to ensure that this activity is both safe and environmentally friendly. All operators that Mauritius Dolphin Swim works with are licenced with the Mauritius Tourism Authority and are required to abide by strict safety regulations, including providing lifejackets. Boats are not permitted to get too close to a pod in order to ensure the safety of its members. Impeding or blocking the dolphins in any way, and feeding them, is also prohibited. While it may be possible to get close enough to touch the dolphins when swimming with them this is strongly discouraged, as, after all, these are wild creatures. However, Mauritius Dolphin Swim also offers "dolphin watching" options for those who prefer not to get in the water with the dolphins.
Do You Need To Be Able To Swim?
No. All participants are given life jackets before they enter the water and can request that a skipper guide them if they do not feel comfortable in the water by themselves. However, anyone who doesn't feel comfortable getting in the water is not required to do so, and can remain on the boat. You don't need to decide this beforehand, and can make this decision once you're on the boat.
What Are Some Options For Swimming With Wild Dolphins?
Just The Dolphin Swim
If you're only interested in spending a morning swimming with wild dolphins Mauritius, then this 2.5 hour experience is for you. With hotel pickup and dropoff included, this stress-free option starts at 7:30am on the West coast of the island (pickup between 5:30am and 7:00am) and ends at around 10:00am (you'll be back at your hotel by lunch!).
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Dolphins & Benitiers Island
If you're looking for a full-day experience, then you'll want to consider Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Lunch on Benitiers Island. This trip includes a wild dolphin swim in the morning, but then continues on to the beautiful Benitiers Island for a barbecue lunch, and afternoon of sunbathing. A pass by the famous Crystal Rock is also included, as is hotel pickup and dropoff!
Book Swimming With Wild Dolphins & Lunch on Benitiers Island
The Dolphins & Volcanic Wonders Tour
This unique full-day experience includes swimming with wild dolphins in the morning, and a land tour of the Southwest of the island in the afternoon, including the famous Chamarel 7-Coloured Earth, Trou aux Cerfs extinct volcano, and Grand Bassin Sacred Lake. The Dolphins & Volcanic Wonders Tour includes hotel pickup and dropoff!
Swimming With Wild Dolphins & Whale Watching
Another extremely popular option is to combine a Wild Dolphin Swim & Whale Watching. Spend the morning swimming with wild dolphins, and then head out to the open seas for a chance to see Humpback and Sperm whales! This once-in-a-lifetime experience starts at 7:30am and finished at approximately 12:30pm.
Swimming With Wild Dolphins & 4 Beaches in the North
This excursion gives you a chance to swim with wild dolphins in the morning, and spend the afternoon relaxing at 4 beaches in the North of the island in the afternoon. This experience is almost like two excursions in one, with an exiting wild dolphin swim, followed by time to relax on the beautiful beaches of Trou aux Biches, Pereybere, La Cuvette and Mont Choisy.
Swimming With Wild Dolphins & The Nature Discovery Tour
The Dolphins & Nature Discovery Tour combines a morning wild dolphin swim with some amazing sites in the South of the island in the afternoon, including La Vanille Nature Reserve, the famous Maconde viewpoint and the rugged Gris Gris.
Book Swimming With Wild Dolphins & the Nature Discovery Tour
Private Mauritius Wild Dolphin Swim Options
Depending on your group size and preferences, it may make sense to book a Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins experience. This will allow your group to enjoy a Private speedboat all to yourself. Most of the excursions above are available on a Private basis as well:
Book Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Hotel Pickup/Dropoff
Book Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Lunch on Benitiers Island
Book a Private Dolphins & Volcanic Wonders Tour
Book Private Swimming with Wild Dolphins & Whale Watching
What are some advantages of a Private Mauritius Wild Dolphin Swim:
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Greater flexibility for your group
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A more intimate experience (perfect for couples seeking a more private excursion)
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The possibility to spend more time swimming with the wild dolphins
It's also possible to combine a Private Mauritius Wild Dolphin Swim with Private Whale watching, for a fully-private 5.5h excursion. Private hotel pickup and dropoff can be added as well for a stress-free day.